By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our
Cookie Policy unless you have disabled them. You can change your Cookie Settings at any time but parts of our site will not function correctly without them.

The lanky forward from Punjab has already overcome numerous odds, both on and off the pitch, thus, making her journey to the senior team an inspirational one. Having made her top-level debut against Hong Kong in January 2019, and with "her best years ahead of her," she is being touted as the 'one to look out for.'

The youngster was born in Muggowal village in Hoshiarpur district. Her father works as a labourer, and is the sole breadwinner in the household. But despite the financial hardships and sociological pressure, Manisha continued to pursue her footballing dream.

"I have been playing football since 13. In school, I started out with athletics but one day, my coach Brahmji-sir asked me to try my hand at football. I enjoyed the teamwork involved in the sport, and fell in love instantly," she was quoted as saying by the-aiff.com.

But there were obstacles. While her parents were always by her side, Manisha reveals that the people in her village often disapproved of her taking up the sport.

"My family supported me from the beginning but other people around us were critical and wanted me to stop playing. A girl playing football was just not acceptable," she said.

"Once while I was playing in a state tournament, from where selections for the nationals was being done. But my name wasn't on the final list. I was devastated," she said.

The moment finally came in July last year, when she was named in the Indian U-17 team that participated in the BRICS Football Cup in South Africa. "We got the chance to play against top teams such as Brazil, and Russia," said Manisha, who even found the net against China.

Come October, she played a crucial role in the Indian team's memorable victory against Thailand in the AFC U-19 qualifiers, providing an assist for the match-winner after a powerful solo run.